The University of Detroit Mercy Titan Athletic Department's 2012 Fr. Norbert Huetter, S.J.  Award was bestowed upon Dave and Julie Adams during a special presentation at Saturday's men's basketball game.  Both are long-time supporters of the Titans and are each graduates of the school.
 
The Fr. Huetter Award is conferred upon those who have lived and served in the mission of St. Ignatius Loyola as “men and women for others.”  The Adams' exemplary support, involvement, and spirit for both the University and Titan Athletics over several decades is certainly the model of leadership that will serve as an example for others for many years to come.  Their names will join five other past honorees in the tribute area to Fr. Huetter and Fr. Muller inside Calihan Hall.
 
“We give back because we love it, we don't expect anything in return,” Julie Adams said humbly.  “We've followed the team on many road trips and we're just sick when the season is over.”

“We're very honored,” Dave Adams said about receiving the award.  “I've been a fan since I was a freshman here back in 1959, through our Intramural championship team with the Peacocks in 1962, and onto today.”

Fr. Norbert Huetter (1905-1984) was a philosopher and teacher at the University of Detroit.  For three decades, he was beloved by student-athletes and was known for the personal care he took in guiding student-athletes in the study of philosophy and preparing them for a productive adult life.

The Fr. Huetter Award is bestowed upon individuals that personify the Jesuit principle of serving others.  Dave and Julie Adams have volunteered their time and resources to so many Titan athletic endeavors, they are nearly immeasurable.  The couple can be seen assisting in projects for the Titan Club, senior day presentations, raffles, were key members of the recent Dick Vitale Court Fundraising & Planning Committee and a host of other behind-the-scenes charitable functions.

“Julie and David are such wonderful ambassadors for the Titan athletics program and the University,” UDM Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Keri Gaither said. “They have been involved with the Titan Club, serving on the board and volunteering to do anything and everything, for as long as I can remember. Both of them, University of Detroit alums, have made it their life work to help others while also supporting their alma mater in so many ways. They are truly great role models and educators who positively represent the University in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola.”

“I've developed a close friendship through the years and I can tell you that they have a great love for the university,” past Titan Club President and current Board member Barbara Wolak said. “They are people who attend every game, including the bus trips to away games.  They are very loyal and just good people.”

Julie Adams is Past President of the Titan Club (2005-07) and both have been Titan Club members for many years.  They join past honorees: Denny Flynn (2001), Jerry Coyne (2003), Ron Thayer (2005), Thomas McNamara (2007) and James Haas (2010).  Their names will be affixed to the Fr. Huetter Award tribute area near the northwest entrance of Calihan Hall.